LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

I i p<^ 19 fe^ ] 

^|'''M!: loparigw |fo. 



f ^/^//.s..n : ■ l\ 

I UNITED STATES 01^ AMERICA, gl 



1^1 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES 



OTHER POEMS 



BY 



/ 



JULIA M. SWIFT 



ss 



^ 



ij^ 



oF CO/Vq 



PHILADELPHIA: 
CLAXTON, REMSEN & HAFFELFINGER. 

624, 626, & 628 MARKET STREET. 
1877. 



qr 



-r^^^^"^ 
.^7^ 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1877, by 

JULIA M. SWIFT, 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress. All rights reserved. 



COLLINS, PRINTER. 




TO 



MY UNCLE 



Mr. C4EEALDUS T. STOCKDALE, 



Slii^f ittlie§0oli 



A F F E C T 1 <) X A T E LY I N S CIM B E 1) 





CONTENTS. 











PAOE 


Christmas Chimes 5 


Kmss Kringle .... 








6 


The Christmas Gift 








9 


Little Mattie's Dream . 








n 


Little Sallie's Christmas . 








18 


The Old Doll .... 








21 


Happy New Year 








23 


Toast to New Year 








24 


Sleighing Glee 








25 


Dashing o'er the Frozen Snow 








26 


Merry Sleigh-Bells 








27 


Merry Bells are Chiming 








28 


Christmas Anthem . 








29 


The Children .... 








30 


Woman's Mission 








32 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



The Separation 

Disappointment 

Fifty Years Ago 

The "Rescued Kittens 

Our Mary .... 

The Face at the Window 

Twilight and Night 

Grace .... 

Somebody's Darling 

The Tree and the Flower 

Passe ..... 

Mother .... 

Sweet Bonnie Louise 

There 's Beauty in the Twil 

Greeting to Spring 

Come to the Greenwood Tree 

The Birdie's Song . 

Come Join our Merry Lay 

Cuckoos are Singing 

Sailing Song 

Vacation Song . 

Kiss me, Mother, for my Strength is Gone 

No Longer Young 



GHT 



CONTENTS. VU 

PAGE 

Centennial Ode 71 

Out of the Darkness into the Light . . .72 

Freedom 75 

The Elm of Bunker Hill 76 

Ring the Bell 80 

Sad Mourner 82 

Face to Face 83 

Bring Flowers 84 

In Memoriam op Georgie 85 

To my Sister in Heayen 86 

Little Darling, Open Wide 88 

Look up 90 

In Memoriam of Harry 92 

Great Bethel 94 

In Memoriam of Mrs. E. G 95 





'^vyi. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES, 
AND OTHER POEMS. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

CHRISTMAS chimes, how sweet the}^ ring ! 
Tidings of great joy they bring, 
Pealing on the midnight air, 
Joy I salvation ! everywhere. 
The twinkling stars that shine so bright 
Are smiling down in glad delight. 
E'en as they smiled npon the earth 
The evening of the Saviour's birth. 

Humble shepherds heard and saw 
The wondrous sight with fear and awe. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Let 's hasten to adore, with them, 
The lowly babe of Bethlehem. 
And with the magi haste to bring 
Fond "offering". to the Infant King, 
All graciously lie will receive 
The very little thou canst give. 

Then Christmas carols gladly sing 
While Christmas chime bells sweetly rin< 
Angelic choirs and seraphs bright 
With us their golden liarps unite ; 
While heaven and earth unite to sing 
The praises of the Infant King, 
The joj'ous peal of Christmas l)ells 
Upon the air in music swells. 



KRISS KRINGLE. 



5]l/riD childhood's sweetest pleasures, 
ilX Which memory fondly treasures. 
Are visions bright 
Of glad delight 
And happy thoughts that mingle 
With visions of Kriss Krinole. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Anticipations charming, 
Fears somewhat alarming, 

Thej^ list to hear 

Those eight reindeer 
And sleigh-bells merry jingle. 
That hail dear old Kriss Kringle. 

The stockings are hung so joj'ful, 
In hopes to see them to3'full, 

With tops and balls 

And waxen dolls, 
And luscious sweets to mingle 
The gifts of old Kriss Kringle. 

Then off to bed retreating, 
With hearts quite loudly beating. 

They list the hoof 

Upon the roof, 
And reindeer's names that mingle 
With the shouts of old Kriss Kringle. 

As midnight hour advances. 
What bright expectant glances 

Are cast, so sly. 

With watchful eye. 
Towards the fireside ingle, 
With hope to see Kriss Kringle. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

At every sound they hear him, 
And wonder if they'd fear him, 

With eyes so bright 

And beard so white I 
Yet pulses fairl^^ tingle 
At thought to see Kriss Kringie. 

Yet soon each bright e3"e closes, 
Each little form reposes 

So snug in bed, 

While through each head 
What joyful visions mingle 
With dreams of old Kriss Kringie ! 

And long before the dawning 

Glad shouts hail Christmas morning I 

With mirth and glee 

The}^ rush to see 
The toys and sweets that mingle 
The gifts of old Kriss Kringie. 

Thus memory loves repeating 
Those childish joys so fleeting. 

And old hearts thrill 

Most fondly still 
As thoughts of childhood mingle 
With memories of Kriss Krini^le. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

For who does not remember 
The bright and gay December, 

With Christmas tree 

And jolUt}^ 
Around the fireside ingle, 
While greeting old Kriss Kringle. 

Jovial old Kriss Kringle, 
Merry old Kriss Kringle, 

With famous pack 

Upon his back, 
And sleigh-bells' jolly jingle, 
We think of old Kriss Kringle. 



THE CHRISTMAS GIFT. 

?rpWAS Christmas eve; two curly heads 

JL Were nestled snug in downy beds. 
Four blue eyes, so round and bright. 
Were peeping over the coverlet white. 
" Mamma" had kissed them and heard their pra^^ers. 
And " papa" carried them both up stairs ; 
For little "Ben" was only four. 
And "sister May" but two years more. 
Papa had told them to keep quite still, 
And they'd see "old Kriss" tlie "stockings" fill; 



10 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Then gaj'ly wishing them both good-night, 
Left them to watch, in the pale moonlight. 
The stockings, hung by the fireplace wide, 
With a list of all the '' wants" inside. 
For "Ben" there were horses and guns and l)alls. 
While " May" had ordered " dishes and dolls." 

Suddenly May sprang out of bed, 
And walking towards the chimney said, 
"My dear old Kriss, I wish you'd bring, 
I want it most of anj'thing, 
A real live baby sistet^ here, 
Won't you, Krissy? that 's a dear! 
And if you do, both Ben and I 
Will be as good, as good as — pie ! 
Please don't forget, dear Kriss," she said. 
Then quickly scampered back to bed ; 
And though they tried awake to keep, 
The children soon w^ere sound asleep. 

'Tis Christmas morn ! the stockings all 
Are hanging full, against the wall, 
With lovely candies, " games," and to3's. 
That charm the hearts of girls and bo^^s ; 
But all unheeded, for the3^ hear 
A strange sound falling on the ear. 
What can it be? 'tis not a cat, 
Although it sounds somewhat like that ; 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 11 

They quickly rush, in glad delight, 
To mamma's room, and lohat a sight! 
The sweetest little babe, you'd think, 
With velvet skin so soft and pink, 
And oh ! such locks of jetty hair 
That gave it such a knowing air! 
Its black eyes blinked at Ben and May, 
In such a wise and funny way ! 
The little "pudgy" hands held out. 
To say "howdo" to Ma}^, no doubt. 
All breathlessly the children gazed, 
For one short moment all amazed. 
" 'Tis mine," said May, in proud delight, 
^' I order^ed it from 'Kriss' last night ;" 
Then fondl}^ murmured, as she kissed her, 
"My Christmas gift! my baby sister!" 



LITTLE MATTIE'S DREAM. 

A CHRISTMAS STORY. 

ON a little straw pallet, in fever so wild. 
Was tossing and moaning, a poor little child. 
Her head pained so badly she scarcely could see, 
Her poor little hands as hot as could be. 



12 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

In fever's embrace she had tossed thro' the night, 
Her beautiful e3^es so glassy and bright, 
Her moans of distress were piteous to hear. 
Piercing her mother's poor heart with despair. 

'Twas Christmas eve, and many a shout 
Of mirth and enjoyment rang merrily out ; 
And oh ! what a contrast that jubilant din 
Presents to the gloom and the sorrow within. 

Long hours she had knelt b}^ that little straw bed, 
All hopeless and bitter the tears that she shed. 
The child's plaintive wailings pierce through her 

soul ; 
Her terrible anguish she cannot control. 

She praj^s to the Father of mercy to spare. 
Or give her submission and patience to bear; 
Then smooths the soft curls from her darling's liot 

brow. 
Ah ! surely she seems somewhat easier now. 

O J03M her darling now peacefully sleeps. 
And breathless with hope her vigil she keeps, 
For hours and hours she watches each breath ; 
So faintly thc}^ flutter, oh! can it be death? 

While thus she is watching in hopes and in fears, 
I'll relate the events of the preceding years. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 13 

*Wheii peace and prosperity lavishly smiled, 
And a fond husband watched over mother and child. 

But five years ago she had such a bright home, 
Ere her husband had left her the ocean to roam 
In quest of more wealth for those dearly loved. 
But alas! that sad voyage, how luckless it proved. 

No letter, no message, not one little word, 
From that fated vessel had ever been heard ; 
She was lost, but alas! none knew how or when, 
For no one e'er heard of or saw her again. 

The home and the furniture all, all were sold. 

And soon the last dollar was painfully told. 

For the bank that contained all their fortune had 

failed 
Almost as soon as her husband had sailed. 

Heart-broken and wretched she sought a new place. 
And strove by hard labor the past to erase. 
Yet all that she earned by her fingers was less 
Than any one prosperous and happy could guess. 

And now her loved Mattie, her one darling child, 
Was struggling and raging with fever so wild. 
She bent o'er the sleeper and wiped from her brow 
The moisture so clammy that beaded it now. 



14 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

For hours she watched thus the face of her chihl, 
Till the sweet blue eyes opened and faintly she 

smiled ; 
What rapture ! the little one knew her at last, 
The critical moment so dreaded had passed. 

A pra^-er of thanksgiving gushed forth from her 

heart, 
And sweet, blissful tears refreshingly start. 
As a radiant smile o'er the child's features came, 
And faintly she murmurs her mother's dear name. 

" mamma, I've had such a beautiful dream, 

I thought it was true, so real it seemed. 

A l)eautiful lady, so sweet and so mild, 

Stood close by mj- side; in her arms was a child." 

" So charming, so lovely, too lovel}' for earth, 
I knew that he must be of heavenly birth. 
And oh, the}^ were dressed in such beautiful clothes, 
The same as they wear up in heaven, I s'pose. 

" The beautiful child laid his hand on my brow\ 
So cool, so delightful, I 'most feel it now. 
The sweet, lovely lady took hold of m}- hand, 
And the fever all vanished as though I were fanned. 

" Then she showed me a picture, oh mamma ! so plain, 
I saw our dear home and m}' papa again ; 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 15 

How splendid he looked, and how fondly he smiled, 
And held out his arms to his poor little child. 

''Then right in the midst of the room I could see- 
Now, what do you think ?— a Christmas tree, 
All glittering with beautiful lights, I declare 
For a while I did nothing but lie there and stare! 

" Then when I turned back they had gone, mamma 

dear. 
And no one but you, darling mother, were here." 
The sweet voice grew fainter, again the child slept. 
The mother in thankfulness silently wept. 

A knock low and soft at the crazy old door, 
A tall form is rapidly striding the floor. 
For a moment she gazes in wildest alarms. 
Then sinks all unconscious within the dear arms. 

Joy seldom kills ; her head she soon raised. 
On the face of her husband so joyfully gazed. 
"Oh! have you returned, then?" she wondering 

said ; 
" The sea has restored you, still living, not dead." 

He told the sad tale of the terrible wreck. 

Of the few who escaped from the fierce burning 

deck ; 
How they'd floated for days, till of hope most bereft, 
One by one they had perished, he only was left. 



16 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Just as he thought he too must have died, 
An outward-bound vessel the floating spar spied ; 
They bore him away to a far distant clime, 
Where he lay in brain fever a very long time. 

Since then he had searched for two terrible 3^ears, 
Bou^-ed up by hopes, tormented by fears. 
He had sought out the needy, relieved the distressed, 
And gave ever freely the goods he possessed. 

To-day he had gone on his usual round, 
And, thanks ])e to God ! his loved ones had found. 
He had purchased their beautiful home o'er again, 
For he felt that his search would not always be vain. 

How fondly he gazed on his wife's lovely face. 
And clasps her in tender and loving embrace ; 
Who could describe all those loving hearts felt. 
As together by Mattie's hard pallet they knelt ? 

The mother then told of the wonderful dream. 
Which more like a vision prophetic would seem. 
Of the lady, the child, and the Christmas tree, 
Which all realized they determined should be. 

A carriage was brought, and a soft couch was made, 
And on it the still sleeping Mattie was laid ; 
Overflowing with happiness swiftly they rode, 
Leaving forever that wretched abode. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. It 

'Twas Christmas when Mattie next opened her e^^es, 
And gazed all aronnd in bewildered surprise ; 
A lady stood near, oh who could she be ? 
So richly arrayed, so smiling is she. 

Is she still dreaming ? she gazes around, 
Yiewing the scene with amazement profound ; 
Just as she had dreamed, in the midst of the room 
Stood a Christmas tree in luxuriant bloom. 

'Twas gleaming with lights, and loaded with toys. 
Such as fill little hearts with such exquisite joys. 
She must be in heaven ; she looks for her mother. 
Behold ! by the fair lady's side stood another. 

A figure commanding, with fond smiling eyes. 
She utters a cry of delighted surprise. 
" mamma ! oh papa ! it is, it is you ; 
My beautiful dream indeed has come true." 



18 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 



LITTLE SALLIE'S CHRISTMAS. 

DOWN a court and through an alley, 
Up a crazy pair of stairs 
Dwelt a little child, named Sallie ; 

Poor and scant the garb she wears. 
Little Sallie, only seven. 

On the w^orld's cold mercy thrown ; 
Mothers, think ! oh, gracious heaven ! 
Just suppose it were 3^our own! 

Little Sallie still was grieving, 

For her gentle mother died. 
To the world her darling leaving — 

To the world so hard, so wide. 
But to trust in God she'd taught her, 

And the dying mother's prayers 
Beg that God will keep her daughter 

From all worldly, sinful snares. 

She had left a happy dwelling 
For a husband, fondly loved ; 

But, alas I how sad the telling. 

He had false and worthless proved. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 19 

Just one year ago he left her, 

Left her with her breaking heart, 

Of all faith and hope bereft her, 

Worse than death 'twere thus to part. 

Yet, for her darling had she striven 

Till tired nature sank at last. 
And she left the earth for heaven. 

All her toils and sorrows past. 
Little Sallie, thus forsaken, 

Wept and prayed with plaintive moan 
That she might in heaven awaken. 

Please not leave her here alone ! 

All da}^ long the child had wandered. 

Gazing at the Christmas t03^s. 
Wondering at the money squandered 

By liglit-hearted girls and boys. 
See, the snow is whirling lightly. 

Deep it lay upon the ground. 
And the lights shine out so brightly, 

Merrily the sleigh-bells sound ! 

Hungry, weary, heavy hearted, 

Little Sallie creeps along. 
For her wretched home she started 

Through the wind so keen and stronof. 



20 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Sad]}' pinched each pretty feature 

Benumbed with cold are hands and feet, 

Wearily the little creature, 

Trudges through each lighted street. 

Timidly she asks a " penny ;" 

Some scarcely hear her plaintive cry. 
Others answer " have n't any," 

All heedlessly they pass her by. 
Yet the pitying angels guide her. 

Though earthly hearts are hard and cold. 
Lovingly they walk beside her. 

With their wings of gleaming gold. 

At length she reaches, oh, how weary ! 

The wretched place she calls her "home," 
Gazes 'round the walls so dreary. 

Murmurs " Mamma, dear, I come." 
'Tis Christmas morn, the joy bells ringing, 

Ringing out so loud and clear. 
To the world "glad tidings" bringing, 

" Tidings" to all hearts so dear. 

Stiff and cold the child is lying 
Dead upon the bare hard floor. 

Ceased for e'er her plaintive crying. 
Safe upon the shining shore. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 21 

Child and motlier both are singing 
" Christmas anthems" of the blest ; 

Little Sallie fondly clinging 
To her lovins: mother's breast. 



THE OLD DOLL. 



YOU 'LL give me this lovely new doll}', 
If I will consent to part 
With my poor little worn-out Polly — 

Why, ma'am, 'twould break her heart. 
How could I consent to leave her, 

My darling I 've played with for years ? 
Just see how your cruel words grieve her, 
She 's actually shedding tears. 

This grand-looking miss, so joll}^. 

With her velvets and ribbons and lace. 
By the side of my poor little Polly, 

Looks very much out of place. 
For I must confess she is faded. 

She 's met with so many hard raps, 
No wonder she looks rather jaded. 

You might yourself, perhaps. 

3 



22 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

She lost her sweet little nose 

By a thump against the door ; 
And that hole in her head, I suppose, 

Was caused hy a fall on the floor. 
One beautiful e3'e was put out 

By a washing I gave her, one day. 
But she sees with the other, no doulit. 

And hears every word that I say. 

She lost all the hair from her head, 

Those lovely golden curls ! 
In a skirmish with cousin Fred ; 

lie 's an awful torment to girls. 
He held on with both his hands, 

And I pulled with all my might. 
And when he let go — dear lands ! 

But she was a terrible sight. 

Then I made her some pretty lace caps. 

And trimmed them with 'cutest of bows. 
So she looks most as well, perhaps. 

At least, till her hair again grows. 
She's had every disease 3'ou could mention. 

And many a terrible fall ; 
She required my utmost attention, 

I wonder she lived throuoli it all. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 23 

But T love her more dearly than ever 

For all her misfortunes, 3^011 see ; 
And never will part with her, never, 

No matter how big I may be. 
I would not forsake little " Polly," 

For all the new dolls 3'ou could bring ; 
For though the\'^ are handsome and J0II3', 

My darling 's a different thing ! 



HAPPY NEW YEAR. 

HAPPY and light, happy and light, 
Let us be merr^^ and jo3^ous to-night. 
Banishing care, pleasure let 's share, 
Gladness is everywhere. 
Happy New Year, happ3^ New Year, 
Bring with thee blessings and bountiful cheer; 
Sad hearts to lighten, dim e3^es to brighten, 
Happ3^, happy New Year ! 

Pledging a toast to those we love most, 
Faithful in friendship shall e'er be our boast. 
Wrongs we '11 forget, banish regret, 
Trusting for happiness yet. 



24 CHRISTMAS CIITMES. 

Cares of tlic mind fling to the wind, 
Seek in the present enjoyment to find, 
Warm greetings we send to foe and to friend, 
Wishing them joys without end. 



TOAST TO NEW YEAR. 

HERE 'S a toast, here 's a toast to the happy 
New Year, 
And a parting salute to the old, 
May it bring in its train every comfort and cheer ^ 

And every blessing unfold. 
May the dear ones we cherish prove constant and 
true. 
And loving hearts never grow cold. 
May every blessing arrive with the New, 
Every care disappear with the Old. 

Here 's a toast, here 's a toast to the ones we love 
best. 

Whose smiles are so cherished and dear, 
Through life may they ever be tranquilly blest 

With many a happy New Year. 
Ma}- the path they will tread be unclouded and 
bright. 

With radiant sunshine to cheer. 
May virtue and truth ever guide them aright 

Through man^^ a happ}^ New Year. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 25 

Here 's a toast, here 's a toast to the friends of 
mankmcl, 

Who labor their good to secure, 
Who teach them tlie patliwa}" of virtue to find, 

And aid them life's ills to endure. 
Who sweetly console and relieve the distressed, 

Whose hand wipes away ever^' tear. 
May they and their dear ones be peacefully blessed 

With many a happy New Year I 



SLEIGHING GLEE. 

THE snow so white is gleaming bright, 
Tlie sleigh-bells now are heard, 
Then haste away in our dashing sleigh, 
We '11 skim the earth as a bird. 

O'er frozen rills and icy hills 

Away, away we bound. 
The horses fly o'er snow-drifts high 

To sleigh-bells' merry sound. 

The air is keen and fresh, I ween. 
But cheeks the brighter glow. 

And dashhig on with laugh and song, 
AVe skim the frozen snow. 



26 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Right merril}^ we sing our glee, 

Awa}' with every care ! 
Sleigh-bells chime with the meny rh3'me 

Upon the frosty air. 

Our laugh rings out with merry shout, 
Our pulse with rapture thrills ; 

The horses bound to the sleigh-bells' sound, 
Vie heed not winter's chills. 



DASHING O'ER THE FROZEN SNOW 
I ASHING o'er the frozen snow. 



D 



The moon is beaming brightly. 
Cheeks like summer roses glow, 

Hearts are bounding lightl3\ 
All our merry glees we sing, 

While the sleigh-bells' chiming. 
As they gayly, sweetl}^ I'^ig"? 

Mingles with our rh^-ming. 

Nothing like a gay sleigh ride 
To banish care and sadness. 

With the one we love beside. 
All is J03' and gladness. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 2*7 

Laiigbing, singing as we go, 

Mirth and music mingle, 
Dashing o'er the frozen snow, 

List! the sleigh-bells jingle. 

Let 's be happy while we may, 

What 's the use of sighing? 
Dashes on our cosy sleigh. 

Horses fairly flying. 
While the music of the bells. 

With melodious ringing. 
On the air so gayly swells. 

Mingles with our singing. 



MERRY SLEIGH-BELLS. 

WON'T you go a sleighing? the sun 's shining 
bright, 
And gayly 'tis playing on the snow gleaming white. 
The sleigh-bells are ringing so merry and clear, 
A sweet rapture bringing their music to hear. 



The horses' hoofs are beating in time to our song 
As gayly we're fleeing so swiftly along. 
Our pulses are tingling with pleasure and glee, 
The sleigh-bells are jingling in sweet melody. 



28 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

The snow gleams before ns so dazzling and bright, 
The sleigh-bells' sweet chorus our senses delight ; 
Now louder and clearer its melody swells, 
O what can be dearer than the merry sleigh-bells ? 

The fleet steeds are bounding, our pleasure they 

share. 
Our songs are resounding, we banish all care. 
Tiie sleigh-bells entrancing all music excels, 
Our pleasure enhacing, oh sweet, merry bells! 



MERRY BELLS ARE CHIMIXG. 



M 



ERRY bells are chiming. 
The festive time is here, 
And youthful voices rhyming 
Corals to Xew Year. 

Smiling faces meet us. 
Merry tones we hear ; 

Jo3'ously they greet us 

With sweet words of cheer. 

While the bells are rinHno: 

Gayly on the air. 
Voices sweet are singing. 

Mirth is everywliere. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

May the future find us 
With our hearts as light, 

Leaving care behind us, 
Ever gay and bright. 



CHRISTMAS ANTHEM. 

EEJOICE! rejoice! let all rejoice ! 
Again I say rejoice 1 
And let the praise of God be sung 
By every human voice. 

Angelic hosts and seraphs bright 
Their voice and golden harps unite 

To praise and magnify the Lord. 

This night appeared, in flesh, the Word ! 

Behold ! the skies are all ablaze ! 

In awe the lowly shepherds gaze, 
Celestial music thrills the air, 

Joy! salvation! everywhere. 

Glory to God, to God on high I 
To God ! the echoes sweet reply, 

And to good men on earth be peace 

Which from this night shall never cease I 



MISCELLANEOUS TOEMS 



THE CHILDREX. 



A FROLICSOME boy and two gentle girls, 
With bluest of e3'es and briglitest of curls, 
Gladdened my life with the sunshine gay 
Of their innocent prattle and merry play. 
O, how I loved the music sweet. 
The ceaseless patter of little feet, 
Chasing each other out and in. 
Filling the house with their merr^- din. 



Never I wearied of questions asked, 

Never I deemed m^'self o'ertasked. 

As they ever came with some new demand 

To claim the skill of my willing hand. 

Dollies to dress, and toj-s to mend, 

To many a game myself to lend. 

Bruises to kiss, and stories to tell 

Of dwarfs and oiants and fairies as well. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 31 

Never a moment to call my otvii 

Until the day's last hour had flown, 

And three little darling curly heads 

Were nestled snug in their downy beds; 

Each little hand so dimpled and fair 

Had been clasped as they knelt at their evening 

prayer, 
The lashes closed o'er the eyes so bright. 
As I blessed and kissed them all " good night." 

So many years have passed away, 

I look for the " children" in vain to-day ; 

For the baby boy I called "my own" 

To manhood now has really grown. 

The darling little chattering girls 

Have "plaited up" their childish curls. 

With all "young ladies' " airs and graces. 

Of their childhood sweet the faintest traces. 

Ah, yes ! "the children" have surely fled, 
Discarded each crib and tiny bed ; 
The "little ones" of "yesterday" 
Have passed forever and ever away ! 
And oft as I sit in my home, so quiet, 
I long for the romps and merry riot. 
The childish laughter full of glee, 
That can never more return to me. 



32 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

O weaiy mothers, a word in your ears, 

So swiftly pass the fleeting years, 

A few will roll awa}^, and then. 

Behold the " children" are " women and men." 

Then fill eacli childish heart with joy. 

Not long the}^ remain as " girl and boy ;" 

Yet if their childhood bright ap})ears 

'Twill gild with light their after years. 



M 



WOMAN'S MISSION. 

THAT is woman's truest sphere? 
What her noblest mission here ? 
What her lleaven-appointed task ? 
What should woman be ? I ask. 
Must she in the rostrum stand, 
The world to threaten and command? 
Must she in the battle fight, 
Where right is oft o'ercome by might ? 
Must she with the rabble mix 
Deep in the mire of politics ? 
Must she for her rights contend — 
Struggle fiercely to the end ? 
Must she with ambition soar 
To heights that were unsealed before ? 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 33 

The world's miich-dreadecl censure brave — 

Must she do this-or be a slave ? 

Crushed by man's despotic power, 

Or prove the pla3^thing of an hour ; 

His smile to court, his frown to fear. 

Or wither 'neath the world's cold sneer ? 

Or must she be a butterfly — 

To shrink in fear when storms are nigh, 

Like other poor ephemeral things. 

Lest they lose their gaudy wings ; 

Delighted to be deemed a belle. 

And in gay toilettes all excel. 

By minds as weak to envied be : 

Is this fair woman's destiny ? 

Ah! no, methinks a high estate 

Was here appointed woman's fate. 

By deeds her usefulness to prove. 

And sway the hearts of all by love. 

Life's trials patiently to bear. 

And others' joys and sorrows share. 

To use her talents and her mind 

To bless and benefit mankind. 

With woman's intuition clear. 

To see the false and the sincere. 

By eloquence of word and pen 

To elevate the thoughts of men. 

By sympathy, her precious gift, 

The weight from other hearts to lift, 



S4 CHRISTMAS CIITMES. 

To do, with all her woman's might, 
Whatever juflgment deems is right. 
Her deepest influence be lent, 
All sin and evil to prevent. 
Her power in every rank of life 
Be felt as mother, daughter, wife. 
And, noblest mission eue?* given. 
To train the little ones for heaven. 



THE SEPARATIOX. 



FARE thee well ! 'tis better so. 
Better that we now should sever, 
Than onr aching hearts should know 

All that now they feel, forever. 
'Tis vain, alas ! 'tis all in vain. 

To hope for former joys returning. 
To hope sweet peace will come again. 

For wdiich onr hearts have long been 3xarning. 

Your once fond glance is now averted, 

And your brow is dark as doom, 
Love his post has long deserted, 

Left us, shrouded thick with gloom. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 35 

How onr love so strangely perished, 
Changed to this o'erwhelming woe, 

Love so long and fondl3^ cherished. 
Neither you nor I may know. 

I myself deem not all blameless, 

Yet my woman's heart rebelled 
When you uttered words so shameless. 

And my sw^eet dream was dispelled. 
Once my heart with joy pulsated. 

Fluttered like a cherished bird. 
Seemed with blissful joy elated 

When your well-known voice I heard. 

Base suspicions, misconstruction. 

Jealous fancies, satire keen, 
These all proved poor love's destruction, 

We allowed to come between. 
Then ensued recrimination 

And reproaches o'er and o'er, 
^Till life seemed all desolation, 

And the heart could bear no more. 

Poor, poor heart ! so very human I 

And my spirit far from meek, 
I resented, as a woman. 

Bitter words I too would speak. 



36 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

It may be, when we have parted, 
Peace may come to each again, 

Though we wander lonely hearted, 
Yet will cease this bitter pain. 

List! Love's funeral knell is rinmner, 

For his spirit, cruslied, has fled ; 
Tain to his senseless form all clingino:, 

All is gone, for Love is dead. 
Strew pale, withered flowers around him, 

Twine his brow with faded leaves, 
Alas ! it was not thus we found him ; 

Pale Despair a chaplet weaves. 

How our little ones will wonder 

When they hear the fatal news. 
That our ties are rent asunder. 

And they must between us choose. 
Yet, oh, God ! I could not share them. 

How my heart writhes at the thought I 
Then be merciful and spare them, 

Their sweet lives I've dearly bought. 

I will ask no greater treasure, 
Never seek thy gold to share ; 

Wealth can bring the heart no pleasure 
When the cankering worm is there. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 3t 

Could you find for them another, 

To supply to them my place ? 
Who so patient as a mother, 

Who her care could e'er replace? 

Dark and cold the shadows o'er us. 

As our separate paths we tread; 
Sad the future looms before us. 

For our mutual love is dead. 
You, perhaps, may find another 

To whom you '11 give the name of wife, 
But to the sacred cares of mother 

I devote my future life. 



DTSAPPOIXTMENT. 

I'^HERE is a weight of anguish 
Xo tongue or pen can tell. 
And only those who feel the sting 

Can understand it well. 
'Tis cruel and relentless, 

With such a blighting power. 
The brightest hopes e'er cherished. 

It withers in an hour. 
4 



38 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

In deepest gloom 'tis shrouded, 

Hope may not enter there, 
But flees away in terror, 

Keplaced by grim despair. 
What is this power so fatal 

That lacerates the heart. 
And all its quivering tendrils 

Tears ruthlessly apart. 

The lip may still be smiling, 

The brow from furrow^s free. 
Yet gnawing at the heart-strings 

This canker still may be. 
No human skill availeth, 

No sympathy consoles, 
And only God's sw^eet mercy 

Such agon}' controls. 

The heart conceals its presence. 

Pride stands the sentinel. 
With fiery sword uplifted. 

And guards the secret well. 
What name has tiiis fierce dragon, 

That thus can hearts devour. 
And ever}^ sweet emotion, 

With such relentless power I 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 39 

That blights the tender blossom 

With pestilential breath, 
That (looms the full-blown flower 

To dark untimely death ? 
Its name is Disappointment, 

He rings the funeral knell 
Of love and hope and happiness ; 

lie's known, ahis, too well ! 



FIFTY YEARS AGO. 

I DREAMED that we were 3^oung again, 
That we had wandered back, 
And trod once more the floweiy phiin 

From off life's beaten track. 
You were a boy in jacket short, 

And I a merry girl 
With frock that oft in briers caught. 
And man}^ a tangled curl. 



Tlie old brown school-house too I saw, 
The well-remembered bircli 

That kept us little ones in awe ; 
The dear old whitewashed church. 



40 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Where through the window roses crept, 
The sunshine looked so gay, 

All through the sermon old folks slept, 
And young ones used to pla}'. 

The orchard full of apple-trees. 

Where oft we went to swing ; 
The merry hum of busy bees. 

And each familiar thing ; 
The sparkling little meadow brook, 

Where hours we used to fish, 
With crooked pin for fishing-hook. 

And burdock leaf for dish. 

Thus fleeted by the happ}^ hours 

In sport and merry pla}^. 
We revelled 'mid life's fairest flowers; 

It seems but yesterday. 
We lived together side by side. 

Our sweet contented life, 
'Till I became your loving bride. 

Your fond and faithful wife. 

As on your altered form I gaze. 
And locks now snowy white, 

I think of those delightful days 
When locks were dark and bright : 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 41 

And yet our love more warmly glows, 

Increasing with our years; 
As we grow weak it stronger grows ; 

And ever young appears. 

How many years have fleeted by 

Since those sweet days of yore, *- 
And oft in thouglit I smile and sigh 

As memory calls them o'er. 
For touchingly the heart will cling, 

Though heads be old and gray, 
To every sweet familiar thing 

Of days long passed awa^^ 



THE RESCUED KITTENS. 

A FACT. 

•• rpHOSE kittens must be drowned, I say; 

-L It shall be done this very day, 
While yet they are too young to know 
The fate they bave to undergo. 
'Tis all in vain for you to plead, 
More cats than one we do not need." 
In vain my eloquence I used 
To save the kittens so abused, 



42 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

For spite of all I said or urged, 

I found the " kits" must be submerged. 

Eeluctautly I ceased to plead ; 

They had resolved to do the deed. 

The old " puss" 'neath the table sat 

Listening to their pleasant chat, 

And heard me pleading, all in vain, 

Her little pussies' lives to gain. 

Then sadly to my room I went, 

My thought on watery deaths intend, 

And drowning "kits" to meditate. 

Leaving " kitties" to their fate. 

While thinking of tliese sad affairs, 

Methough I heard, upon the stairs, 

A very odd, peculiar sound, 

A thump, a jump, and then a bound, 

A pause on every step, thump, thump. 

In sprang the old cat with a jump! 

And wondrous sight! who could have thought? 

A kitten in her mouth she brought ! 

Upon m}' lap she sprang, and there 

She laid her infant, young and fair. 

Then down the stairs she fairly flew ; 

I wondered what she next would do. 

While sitting thus without a word, 

The same peculiar sound I heard. 

Ao;ain she came, and laid the other 

Beside his little baby brother ; 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 43 

Then rubbed her head against my knees, 
And purred, as if to say, " Oh ! please 
My little darlings to protect, 
Your kind assistance I expect." 
I stroked her soft and glossy head, 
My eyes suffused with tears, and said : 
"M}^ dear old puss, a friend you 've found; 
Your little ones shall not be drowned, 
For they shall be my special care. 
And no one shall e'en hurt a hair." 
And when the strange exploit I told. 
No heart was found so hard and cold 
To drown the kittens after that ; 
Each kitten lived to be a cat. 
They sought to prove their grateful thanks 
By many graceful, merry pranks ; 
And oft we 've laughed right merrily 
Their frolics and their tricks to see. 



OUR MARY. 



D 



you know our pretty Mary ? 
She dances like a fairy ; 



Her heart so fond and loving, 
Its sweet atfection proving. 



44 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Her ample brow disclosing 
Grand thoughts are there reposing, 
In that busy brain now teeming 
With pretty baby scheming. 

Iler eyes, so dark and tender, 
Like two bright stars in splendor. 
Send many merry flashes 
Beneath those silken lashes. 

IIow " cute" her little nose is. 
As it saucily reposes 
Between the soft cheeks glowing. 
Like roses richly blowing. 

Her pouting lips, like cherries, 
Or sweet delicious berries. 
Seem only made for kisses. 
And all love's jo^^s and blisses. 

This winsome little fairy. 
Could never be contrarj^, 
But sweet and loving ever, 
And never naughty — never I 

So full of fond caressing. 
Papa's joy and mamma's blessing, 
She wins our fond affection ; 
We think her just perfection. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 45 

While to our hearts we press her, 
We pray that God will bless her 
With grace that ne 'er will vary, 
Our boiinie little Mary ! 



THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. 

I PASS, every day, a fine mansion. 
To see through the curtains of lace. 
And damask silken hangings, 

A lovely childish face. 
Glittering ringlets twining 

'Round the sweet angelic brow. 
That seems like a halo shining ; 
Methinks I see him now. 

A far-away plaintive expression 

Dwells in those luminous eyes. 
As though he were ever communing 

With forms far above the blue skies. 
And daily I pass that mansion. 

To see thjough the window pane 
That face, I oft linger to gaze at. 

And turn back to look aarain. 



46 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Tliroiigli sunshine or storm I passed there 

At that self-same hour, to see 
That beautiful face at the window 

That possesses such charms for me. 
For it seems like a lovely cherub 

Through the beautiful curtains of lace; 
And I long to press fondest of kisses 

On that beautiful baby face. 

A week had elapsed ere I 'd passed there ; 

I gazed for that face in vain ; 
And I felt, with an inward foreboding, 

I should ne'er on earth see it again. 
The white ribbons that streamed from the windows 

Plainly said I should see him no more ; 
But he smiles still more sweetly in heaven 

Than he smiled through the window of 3'Ore. 



TWILIGHT AND NIGHT. 

TWILIGHT shadows soft are stealing 
Over vale and mountain height, 
Nature's glowing charms concealing, 
Gliding on to meet the night. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 41 

Weaiy nature longs to greet her, 

For the sun has gone to rest ; 
E'en the balmy air is sweeter 

Springing from the golden west. 

Hushed the scene, and calm and holy, 

For another da}^ has gone. 
Flowers bow their heads so lowly 

As the night comes gliding on. 
Now, in all her radiant splendor, 

Smiles the lady moon so bright. 
Myriad twinkling stars attend her. 

In honor of the queen of night. 

Far above the tree-tops peeping. 

Flooding mountain vale and streams, 
While the world below is sleeping. 

Wrapped in bright and happy dreams — 
List! the nightingale is singing; 

How delicious are his notes ! 
To the air his rapture flinging. 

Softly sweet the echo floats. 



48 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 



GRACE. 

HOW perfectly well I remember, 
Though so many 3'ears ago, 
'Twas the verj^ last day of December, ■ 

The ground was covered with snow. 
I sat by the fireside musing 

On all the events of the da}^, 
A book now and then perusing 
In a desult'ry kind of a way. 

The fire was cheerfully blazing. 

The flames leaping higher and higher. 
As I sat there wistfully gazing 

In the depths of the beantiful fire. 
A feeling of sadness possessed me. 

Long months I had bitterly wept. 
For a beautiful angel had blessed me. 

But under the snow she now slept. 

My heart was bitterly aching 
As I thought of that little form. 

It seemed as though it were breaking, 
As I sat by the fireside warm. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 49 



The twilight shades were stealing, 

And all outside was gloom ; 
Inside the fire w^as revealing 

The comfort that reigned in the room. 



As the blinds I was slightl}^ raising 

To look on the scene outside, 
I met two eyes wildly gazing 

With wonder opened w^ide. 
One glance at the little creature, 

And I reassuring smiled, 
For though pinched each pretty feature, 

'Twas a fair and lovely child. 

I flew to the door and brought her 

In from the bitter cold ; 
So strangely sh}^, I thought her 

So prematurel^' old. 
Her clothes were old and faded. 

Her shoes to tatters worn ; 
She looked so pinched and jaded. 

So wretched and forlorn. 

Her story was soon related. 
No parents' care she 'd know^n, 

A poor little outcast, fated 

On the world's cold alms to be thrown. 



50 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

None had a right to claim her, 

She had no abiding place ; 
I asked her what I should name her, 

She softly answered, Grace. 

Soon she had food and raiment, 

The clothes my darling wore. 
Her smiles of delight were pa3'ment. 

She thanked me o'er and o'er. 
Soon her weary form was reposing 

In my darling's little bed, 
In slumber the sweet eyes closing. 

Soft pillowed the tired head. 

We took the poor waif as given 

Our loA^ed one to replace, 
And daily we thank kind Heaven 

For the gift of our precious Grace. 
She has proved our dearest treasure. 

Our verj^ hearts' delight. 
Her goodness no words can measure. 

Our care did she well requite. 

As to-night I sit here thinking 

Of all tlie happy past. 
From thoughts of the morrow shrinking. 

While my tears are falling fast. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 51 

To-morrow her liand will be given, 

And her loving heart beside. 
May he prize as a gift from heaven, 

His beautiful Grace, his bride. 



SOMEBODY'S DARLING. 

HOW sweet to be somebody's darling, 
Let fortune frown black as she will. 
The " Fates" and the " Furies" be snarling, 

For aome one to cherish you still. 
To feel that your coming e'er blesses, 

Your going leaves tender regret. 
Who greets you with fondest caresses; 
What joy to be somebody's " pet" 1 

How sweet to be somebody's darling. 

To hear, in love's marvellous tone. 
Sweet words of endearment, my '' starling," 

My " blessing," my " loved one," " my own." 
To know that one fond heart is beating 

With warmest emotions for you. 
Who meets you with tenderest greeting. 

Who 's constant and loving and true. 



52 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

IIow sweet to be somebody's darling, 

Somebody's treasure and pride ; 
No matter how fate may be snarling, 

No matter what fortune betide. 
To know you are somebody's pleasure, 

That 3^our smile has a power to bless. 
To whom you are life's dearest treasure, 

Beyond all the world could possess. 



THE TREE AND THE FLOWER. 

A TRANSLATION. 

A LOFTY tree reared high his head, 
And stretched afar his sturdy arms, 
Unto himself he proudly said, 

" How wondrous are my many charms ! 
For ages have I still defied 

The lightning flash, the tempest's power. 
Unlike this flow 'ret by my side. 

Who lives and blossoms one short hour." 

While thus in haught}^ scorn he spoke, 
The. sullen clouds had darkly lowered. 

In wildest wrath the tempest woke. 

The lightning flashed, the thunder roared. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 53 

List ! 'mid tlie din, a horrid crash ! 

The tree is struck ! 'tis rent in twain ! 
never more in pride so rash 

The lordly tree may boast again. 

Anon the sun in splendor shines, 

All nature sweetly smiles once more, 
Beside the blighted tree still twines 

The flow'ret, lovelier than before. 
More fragrant day by day she grew, 

Contented with her humble dower ; 
Ah ! which is fairer now to view, 

The fallen tree or blooming flower ? 



PASSE. 

WHAT is that great, mysterious change, 
Insidious, subtle, passing strange, 
That leaves its stern relentless trace 
Upon the fairest, loveliest face ? 
So imperceptibly it steals. 
Its presence surely it reveals. 
And seems in accents harsh to say, 
Youthful charms I steal away. 
Alas! I hear those mournful tones. 
My face the dreaded presence owns, 
5 



54 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

And 3'et so stealth}^ its approach 
I scarce could note its first encroach. 
It is not that my charms have fled, 
And youth's enchanting graces sped. 
For see ! my locks of silken jet 
Are glossy and luxuriant yet. 
The rose still blooms upon my cheek, 
But oh! that voice doth loudly speak; 
Each feature I have closel}' scanned 
To note where this unsparing hand, 
So ruthless in its ever}^ touch, 
Has marred the beauty prized so much. 
My teeth might still outrival pearls, 
"A charm most highly prized by girls ;" 
And yet that something seems to say. 
Youth has passed fore'er away. 



MOTHER. 



THERE is a fond and tender word 
Far dearer than all other. 
By which the very heart is stirred — 
The holy name of mother. 

That name will cause a deeper thrill 
Than father, sister, brother. 

Awaking love more tender still. 
The love we bear our mother. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 55 

With many loves the heart ma}- teem, 

It ne'er can know another 
So pure, so constant, so serene. 

As that it feels for mother. 

How sad the home without her care. 
How many griefs they smother. 

How many heart-pangs those who share 
A home without a mother. 

But oh! how bright the fireside seems 

To fatlier, sister, brotlier. 
When tenderly upon them beams 

The cheerino: smile of mother. 



SWEET BONNIE LOUISE. 

A SUNBEAM entrancing so joyously bright 
Little feet dancing in constant delight. 
Never a sorrow or trouble has she. 
Every morrow seems brighter to be. 
Lovely and winning, e'er certain to please 
Pure and unsinning, sweet bonnie "Louise." 

Luxuriant tresses of glittering gold. 

Seem in their meshes bright sunbeams to hold. 



66 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Eyes of dark splendor, brimful of glee, 
Loving heart tender, from guile ever free. 
With mirth overflowing, delighted to tease. 
With happiness glowing, sweet " bonnie Louise." 

All hearts fondl}^ bless her, where'er she may be, 
All long to caress her, so winning is she. 
O never ma^^ sadness o'ereloud that fair brow. 
But life smile with gladness as radiant as now. 
To fond ones who love her, may she prove a heart's 

ease. 
Till life's dream be over, sweet bonnie Louise. 



THERE'S BEAUTY IN THE TWILIGHT. 

THERE 'S beauty in the twilight. 
At close of summer's day, 
When clouds of gold and amber 

Have changed to quiet gvny. 
When all is still and tranquil, 

Except the whip-poor-will. 
The sighing of the breezes, 
And murmur of the rill. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 57 

Tliere 's boaut}^ in the twilight 

When the snn has gone to rest, 
And little birds are dreamino- 

Within each downy nest. 
A gentle, tender sadness 

Comes stealing o'er us then, 
And visions long departed 

Come flittins: back aofain. 



The incense of the flowers 

Makes fragrant all the air, 
The sweet delicious perfume 

Ascending like a pra3'er. 
The heart communes with nature, 

And yields to her control, 
And peaceful thoughts and holy 

Awaken in the soul. 

There 's beauty in the twilight 

No other hour can know, 
A sweet mysterious influence 

Pervading all below. 
Enchanting dreams of beauty 

Awaken in the breast ; 
Ah ! ye^, the hour of twilight 

Is sweeter than the rest. 



58 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 



GREETING TO SPRING. 

NATURE is rising from winter's emhrace, 
Spring is surprising the world by her grace ; 
She touches the streamlets, bursts fetters in twain, 
They dance on rejoicing in freedom again. 
AVith dexterous fingers she dresses the trees, 
Her balmy breath lingers and floats on the breeze, 
With garments of verdure she robes all the earth, 
And as she adA'ances flowers spring into birth. 
The birds serenade her in joyous refrain, 
All gladly we hail her to greet us again. 



COME TO THE GREENWOOD TREE. 

COME, oh come, to the greenwood tree ! 
Happy and gay, happy and gay ! 
Filling the woods with our melody, 

Merril}^ all the day. 
Sweetly smiling the soft blue sk}'. 

Lovely and bright, lovely and bright ; 
Mirth is beaming in every eje. 
In every heart delight. 



CIIRISTxMAS CHIMES. 59 

Gayly roaming the whole day long, 

Joyous and free, joyous and free, 
Merrily singing a happy song 

Under the greenwood tree. 
Banishing every trace of care, 

Cheerily sing, cheerily sing. 
Light and free as the summer air, 

Or as a bird on the wing. 

Twinino^ trarlands of wildwood flowers 

Fresh as the morn, fresh as the morn, 
Softly reclining in shady bowers, 

Tresses we gayly adorn. 
Gently the balmy summer breeze 

Rustles along, rustles along ; 
Birds are trilling in greenwood trees, 

Joining our happy song. 



60 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 



THE BIRDIE'S SOXG. 

TRA la, la, la; tra In, la, la, la, la, la! 
Listen to the birdie's song ! 
Tra la, la, la ; tra la, la, la, la, la, la ! 

It gayly floats along. 
Ere the rosy glow of dawn 

Smiles with joy on vale and hill, 
While the dew is fresh upon the lawn, 
You may hear m}' happy trill. 

Tra la, la. 

-With joy I build m}^ tin}^ nest, 

Not a grief or care have I, 
With my loving mate I 'm sweetly blest, 

And I sing right merrilj^ 

Tra la, la. 

Very little is m}^ need 

As I ^y from tree to tree, 
My birdies wee I daily fiped, 

Then I trill with joy and glee. 

Tra la, la. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 61 

When the sun has gone to rest, 

Fall the shadows of the night, 
M}^ birdies nestle 'neath my breast 

Till the rosy dawn of light. 

Tra la, la. 



COME JOIN OUR MERRY LAY. 

COME join our merry lay. 
Gladly we '11 sing to-day, 
Singing the praise of Ma\^, 
Sweet, lovely May. 

Now gloomy winter 's past. 
Borne on the howling blast ; 
Sweet May has come at last, 
Sweet May at last. 

See! at sweet May's advance 
Gayly the streamlets dance. 
Flashing the sun's bright glance. 
The sunbeam's glance. 

List to the woodland notes 
AVarblcd from tiny throats ! 
Sweet music gayly floats, 
Sweet music floats. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Gladl}' we '11 pass the hours 
Culling sweet wild-wood flowers, 
Blooming in mossy bowers, 
Sweet wild-wood flowers. 

Banish all care and gloom. 
See how the roses bloom, 
Wafting their rich perfume, 
Wafting perfume. 



CUCKOOS ABE SINGING. 

BANISH all care away, let every heart be gay ! 
Welcome the loA'ely May, welcome the lovely 
May. 
Nature with fond delight welcomes her face so 

bright ; 
List, how the birds unite! list, how tlie birds unite! 
Cuckoos are singing, 
Glad tributes bringing. 
Woodlands are rinsjiiio; 
Welcome to Spring I 
Cuckoo! cuckoo! sweetly they sing! 
Cuckoo! cuckoo! welcome fair Spring! 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. G3 

May decks with flowers again valley and bill and 

plain ; 
Winter lias ceased to reign ! winter has ceased to 

reign ! 
Brightly the roses glow, gayly the waters flow, 
Softly the zephyrs blow, softly the zephja-s blow. 
Cuckoos are singing. 
Glad tributes bringing, 
Woodlands are ringing- 
Welcome to Spring. 
Cuckoo ! cuckoo ! sweetly they sing. 



SAILING SONG. 



COME sail with me o'er the heaving sea. 
Where the sparkling billows pla}-, 
We '11 lightly bound, to music's sound, 

Through the foaming ocean spray. 
The waves smile bright in the glad sunlight 

With feathery foaming crest 
As they play and leap, while the storms still sleep 

In the ocean's heaving breast. 
Then sail with me o'er the bounding sea. 

O'er the foaming waters wide. 
And we '11 lightly bound to music's sound, 

With the ever-suro;in£>- tide. 



64 CIIRISTxMAS CHIMES. 

Our hearts will bound as we list the sound 

Of the breakers' dash and roar; 
Like the music grand of a mighty band, 

As they break against the shore. 
We '11 swiftly glide o'er the billows wide 

And skim their feather}^ crest, 
While the wind makes free with the brave old sea, 

And heaves his mighty breast. 



YACATIOX SOXG. 

TT7ITH voices light and gay 

V V We '11 sing a merry strain ; 
Vacation, happy da}-. 

Has come to us again. 
To school good-bye awhile, 
- For weary tasks are done. 
All faces wear a smile. 
Vacation has begun. 
Vacation, liapp}^ time, 

We hail thee with delight, 
While every heart with pleasure beats. 
And every eye is bright. 

We '11 seek a cool retreat 

Midst wood and groove so fair. 

When birds make music sweet 
And balmy is the air. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

We '11 wander all day long, 
From every trouble free, 

And sing a merry song 

Beneath the greenwood tree. 
Yacation, happy time. 

Some climb the mountain-side, 

And some will seek the shore, 
To watch the rolling tide 

And list the breakers' roar ; 
To sport 'mid ocean's foam 

With shouts of mirth and glee. 
All merrily will roam. 

From tasks and studies free 
Vacation, happy time. 

Thus all will pleasure find 

In sport and healthful plays, 
And recreate the mind 

The lovely summer days, 
Until, vacation o'er, 

To school we '11 all return. 
Most cheerfully once more 

All useful tasks to learn. 
Vacation, happy time. 



65 



66 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

And now, dear friends, good-b3'e ! 

We 're parting for avviiiie, 
And tears will fill the e3'e. 

Though lips may wear a smile. 
May all enjoyment find, 

And meet with hearts as true, 
Companions all so kind. 

And teachers, dear, adieu! 
Vacation, happy time. 



KISS ME, MOTHER, FOR MY STRENGTH 
IS GONE. 



AN INCIDENT OF THE LATE FLOOD. 

• • f\ KISS me, motlier, for ni}^ strength is gone, 

\J The frightful waters surge above my head ; 
Long wear}^ hours have I been holding on. 
And now the last remaining spark is fled." 

Long, 'mid the fury of the tempest wild. 
They still had clung in desperation there ; 

The mother, powerless to aid her child, 
Now hears that wail of terrible despair. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 67 

The frightful flood had overflowed tlie land, 
The element no mortal power controlled, 

And as she fled, her children by the hand, 
The furious billows high and higher rolled. 

The mother's voice the little ones had cheered. 
Soon, soon would tliey a place of safety reach ; 

But see ! God ! the bridge has disappeared ! 
And terror seizes them, too deep for speech. 

Yet to th' abutments, hopefully they cling, 
The boiling seething waters higher rise, 

While through the appalling darkness fiercely ring 
The raging tempest's hoarse and sullen cries. 

While o'er their shrinking forms the billows dash, 
And thunder in their terror stricken ears. 

The frightful sound of breaking timbers crash 
Add still increasing horrors to their fears. 

At last is heard that wild appealing cr}^. 

Which pierces through the mother's quivering 
heart, 

" mother, kiss me, kiss me once good-bye. 

My trembling fingers from their hold must part." 

The child, whose strength had long been overtaxed. 
Her mother's quivering lips felt on her face ; 

The little trembling fingers then relaxed. 

She sank ! the waters close and leave no trace. 



68 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

The morrow came, all smiling is the sky. 
Serenely now the waves are gliding on, 

Yet from their depths ascends that plaintive cry, 
" kiss me, mother, for my strength is gone." 



NO LOXGER YOUNG. 

"VI longer 3'oung ! no longer yonng ! 
ly How sad the words appear. 
When uttered bj^ a careless tongue, 

And painful to the ear. 
All harshly on the heart they fell, 

With new-awakened dread. 
For ah ! the}^ seemed the funeral knell 

Of 3^outh forever fled. 

No longer young, how transient seems 

The rosy morn of life ; 
Replete with glowing happy dreams. 

With tender fancies rife. 
The lovely dream dissolves too soon. 

And waking up at last 
We find the morn has changed to noon, 

The bright hours fleeting fast. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 69 

No longer yonng, time's cruel pen 

Has marked the once smooth brow ; 
And on its snowy snrface then, 

Are furrows stealing now. 
The eyes have lost their laughing light, 

The rounded form its grace. 
The cheeks that glowed with roses bright 

Now scarcely bear a trace. 

No longer young, 'tis sad to think 

Sweet youth may not remain ; 
Each year is dropped another link 

From youth's bright golden chain. 
Yet heart and mind may be arrayed 

In brighter charms than youth. 
Which even time can never fade — 

Grace, gentleness, and truth. 

No longer young ! well, even yet. 

We need not idly mourn. 
Or waste the hours in vain regret 

On what can ne'er return. 
Let virtue shed her lustre bright, 

Old age she will adorn, 
And with her brilliance make tlie niglit 

More lovely than the morn. 

6 



70 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 



No longer young 1 yes, 3^onth must fade, 

And rarest charms decay ; 
Yet charms in which the mind's arrayed 

Pass not so soon away. 
Though eyes may be no longer bright, 

And locks may lose their gold, 
The heart and mind a rarer light 

May every year unfold. 





CENTENNIAL POEMS. 



CENTENNIAL ODE. 

A* HUNDRED years have passed away 
Since first the great bell's pealing 
Hailed Independence' natal-day, 
With new and solemn feeling. 
When hearts were thrilled with joy profound, 

With great emotion shaken, 
To see a nation at that sound 
To liberty awaken. 

And loyal hearts must ever thrill 

With generous emulation, 
The vows "our fathers" made fulfil 

To keep the declaration. 
heroes of the mighty past. 

Your spirit still is living, 
For long as life and memory last. 

Our heart's best love we 're giving. 



72 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Then let each lo3"al heart awake, 

With joyful rapture thrilling, 
In this triumphant song partake 

With heart and voices willing. 
The dark and stormy days are o'er 

That blanch our cheeks in telling, 
And to those heroes great, of yore, 

Our jo3'ful song is swelling. 



OUT OF THE DARKNESS INTO THE 
LIGHT. 

TJ ING out, all ye jo3^-bells of liberty, ring ! 
X V Ye clarions and trumpets, ring merrily out. 
Millions rejoice at the tidings ye bring, 
llending the air with jubilant shout. 
The long weary struggle for freedom is o'er. 
So gallantly borne by the heroes of yore. 
Hail to the dawning, farewell to the night ! 
Out of the darkness into the light 1 

Embalmed in all hearts are those memorable years. 
And each gallant deed of our forefathers lives. 

The anguish endured, and the heart-scalding tears 
Of desolate sisters and mothers and wives. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. T3 

To leave us, their children, their precious bequest, 
They died, that with liberty we might be blest. 
And freedom's fair form emerged, radiant and bright 
Out of the darkness into the light. 

When first they assembled, a congress to frame. 
What heroes composed it ! what patriots brave ! 

All hail to eacli honored, illustrious name, 
Who freely gave all, their country to save. 

Ne'er before met such a body of men. 

So mighty with sword, with tongue, or with pen ; 

Their counsel directed the nation aright 

Out of the darkness into the light. 

Upon you, noble heroes and sages, depend 
The fate of a nation and millions to come. 

O, will they their rights, so stupendous, defend ? 
Or will they to Britain ignobly succumb ? 

Emotions are traced on the features of each, 

Too deep for description, too mighty for speech. 

Will they tamely submit ? or gallantly fight 

Out of the darkness into the light ? 

At length Patrick Henry, majestic and grand, 
Arises undaunted ; what eloquence rolls 

With all the great powers his heart could command, 
And surges resistlessly over their souls. 



74 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

What pictures he draws of the slave's bitter fate, 
How doth he on liberty's beauties dilate, 
Till with one accord all voices unite, 
Let us out of the darkness into the light I 

"What wondrous results, when Congress declared 
Their long-tried allegiance to Britain was o'er I 
To fight for their new independence prepared, 

And sent the glad tidings from shore to shore. 
The old State House bell rang its merriest peal, 
Delighted the glorious news to reveal ; 
And that fourth of July, a beacon star bright. 
Arose from the darkness into the light. 

What hardships they suffered, what perils endured. 
Delighted to follow where Washington led ; 

To bitter privations most nobly inured, 

On the altar of freedom they gallantly bled. 

They fought and they conquered, and freedom is 
ours. 

With all its enjoyments and blessings and powers. 

The star-spangled banner now floats in its might, 

Out of the darkness into the light. 

How lustrous the stars in that galaxy bright 1 
Could heroes and sages so dauntless e'er fail ? 

When names such as Hancock and Adams unite. 
When Jefferson, Lee, and a Rutledge we hail ! 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. i[5 

And many another one equally great, 
Who wisely directed and .governed the State ; 
Determined the nation should rise in its might 
Out of the darkness into the light ! 

Then ring ! all ye joy-bells of liberty, ring I 

Ye clarions and trumpets ring merrily out. 
For liberty's glorious centennial you bring. 
And voices respond with a jubilant shout. 
A century even has floated away 
Since that ever-memorable glorious day 
Arose like a beacon star, radiant and bright. 
Out of the darkness into the light. 



FREEDOM. 



WHILE Freedom was yet in her infancy 
She charmed every loyal beholder; 
She grew, in her grace and her beauty, to be 

Still lovelier as she grew older. 
Her cradle was rocked by the bravest of men. 

Who kept o'er her vigils unceasing. 
And for her their blood shed again and again, 
With faith and devotion increasing. 



76 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Brighter and fairer she grew ever}- hour, 

Commanding the world's admiration ; 
For the fame of her beauty and wisdom and power 

Extends to each far-distant nation. 
Everywhere true hearts respond to her call, 

Their vows of allegiance to render ; 
For her to conquor, or nobly to fall, 

Yielding their lives to defend her. 

Chivalrous actions, performed in her name. 

The wonder of nations excited ; 
Her heroes are wreathed with the laurels of fame. 

Their faith and devotion requited. 
Time but enhances her wonderful charms. 

Her blessings are freely extended ; 
Nations she 'd willingly clasp in her arms. 

Until all with fair Freedom are blended. 



THE ELM OF BUNKER HILL. 

THE brave old Elm-tree reared his head. 
Majestic, stately, grand. 
As though unto himself he said, 
" In all this mighty land 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

There is not such another tree 

That can with me compare, 
For many a thrilling history 

Is proudly written here. 

*' Yes, many a record of the past 

Is traced on every leaf, 
In summer sun and winter blast. 

Of many a joy and grief. 
My ancient, tawny trunk contains 

Full many a mystery, 
Which in my inmost heart remahis 

All unrevealed to be. 

" When first my leafy branches spread 

And trembling shadows made. 
How many a swarthy warrior's head 

Reclined beneath my shade. 
And many a dusky maiden came 

To meet her hunter bold. 
With eyes of light and cheeks of flame, 

To list the tale he told. 
At length, one great eventful day, 

How much was I amazed! 
When on &t range forms in rich array 

And faces pale, I gazed ! 



t7 



78 . CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

They soon in strength and numbers grew, 

From o'er the ocean's foam 
They came ; and toiled with courage true 

To make themselves a home. 

" What they endured 'twere vain to tell, 

Th' attempt my power shames ; 
The covert blow ! the horrid yell I 

Their little homes in flames I 
Yet still they persevered and throve, 

Still steadily increased ; 
Till westward far the foe they drove. 

And dwelt once more in peace. 

"But soon oppression weighed them down. 

And trials great they bore, 
Till they resolved that England's crown 

Should ne'er oppress them more. 
Those dauntless hearts have much endured; 

For justice they contend ; 
Sweet liberty should be secured. 

Their rights they will defend. 

" My every leaf doth thrill with pride 

The tale to tell again. 
Of how those heroes fought and died, 

For freedom bravely slain. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. T9 

Oh, if an aged tree could weep, 

My tears would freely flow. 
At thought of those brave hearts that sleep. 

The gallant ones laid low I 

" My aged eyes beheld a sight 

That every heart would thrill. 
The fiercest and the bravest fight 

Just here, on Bunker Hill. 
How furiously the conflict raged ! 

A handful of brave men 
With hosts of British foes engaged, 

Again and yet again 1 

" That time has past, I lived to see 

Sweet peace and plenty reign. 
And smiling faces looked at me. 

While all was joy again. 
The pealing chimes of freedom woke 

The echoes of the air. 
They 'd cast aside the British yoke. 

And joy was everywhere." 

Thus rambled on the Elm-tree old, 

With all a veteran's pride ; 
Each leaf its tale of wonder told 

To all who stood beside. 



80 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

And many a storm broke o'er his head, 
While oft the lightning flash 

Struck other trees around him dead, 
That fell with horrid crash I 

Yet stood unmoved the brave old tree, 

A record of the past ; 
But like all other veterans, he 

Succumbed to time at last. 
To all he seemed a dear old friend. 

And all throughout the realm 
Regretted much to see the end 

Of Boston's dear old Elm. 



RING THE BELL. 



WHEX first upon the air it pealed 
A hundred years ago. 
What joy its iron tongue revealed 

To anxious hearts below I 
The glorious tidings thrilled the air. 

Resounding far and wide. 
The brave hearts throbbing proudly there 
Respond on every side. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 81 

The deeds our gallant sires performed 

On history's page we trace ; 
Those deeds, that coldest hearts have warmed, 

No time can e'er efface. 
May we, your sons, in time of need. 

Be e'er as leal and true 
In every word and every deed 

For country dear, as you. 

That bell the news so joyful told 

In tones so proud and strong. 
Across Atlantic's waters rolled 

And echoed loud and long. 
Then let the dear old bell once more 

Ring out a joyous chime. 
And nations welcome to our shore 

From every distant clime. 





IN MEMORIAM 



SAD MOURNER. 



SAD mourner, why bitterly weeping ? 
Why heaving with sorrow thy breast ? 
Thy loved one serenely is sleeping 

To wake in the home of the blest. 
Life's wearisome journey is ended, 
All trials and conflicts are done, 
" The angel of peace" has descended, 
And glory immortal is won. 

0, weep not in sorrow despairing 1 

Hope soothes thee with comforting voice ; 
Her pinions thy s|)irit up-bearing. 

Thy desolate heart will rejoice. 
Bright faith, with her finger immortal, 

The beautiful gates will unfold. 
And flinging wide open the portal, 

Thy loved one in glory ])ehold 1 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 83 

Then put off the raiment of sadness, 

And list to the comforting word 
That tells thee in accents of gladness 

'T is blessed to die in the Lord. 
Soon, soon the beloved we must follow, 

The path to the tomb must be trod. 
Then leave earthly pleasures so hollow, 

And meekly pass "under the rod." 



FACE TO FACE. 



LIST ! the mournful sound of weeping 
Falling sadly on the ears, 
For the loved one now is sleeping, 

All unmindful of our tears. 
Hands together meekly folded 

On the now unheaving breast. 
And the waxen features moulded 
In their everlasting rest. 

O'er the quiet sleeper bending. 

Hearts are torn with cruel grief. 
Yet amid their sorrow blending 

Comes a thought of sweet relief. 
Though the precious form we 're leading 

In the cold earth's last embrace. 
Cease ! oh, cease all useless grieving ! 

She beholds God face to face. 



84 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Through this vale of shadoTvs groping, 

Hearts would wither in despair, 
Were it not the blissful hoping 

For a land more bright and fair. 
This the promise sweetly cheering 

With a world of tender grace, 
Though on earth the darkness fearing. 

Yet in heaven, face to face. 



BRING FLOWERS. 

BRING lilies and roses and fairest of flowers 
To garland her beautiful brow ; 
She 's sleeping so calmly, this darling of ours. 

So sweetly and tranquilly now. 
The little hands folded so meekl}^ at rest. 

For life's weary journey is done. 
How short was the wa}^, how soon she is blest, 
So quickl}^ the diadem won ! 

Then strew the pale lilies and roses around, 

Like to hers very brief is their bloom. 
For soon they must wither beneath the cold ground, 

Yet how sweet is their lovely perfume ! 
She too was a flower exquisitely rare. 

Unfolding new beauties each hour ; 
Her sweetness and loveliness everywhere 

Exerting their magical power. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 85 

We grieve for the flower now faded and dead, 

So cold and so spotlessly white ; 
Its glorious beauty forever has fled, 

So lately our fondest delight. 
Yet think not, ah, think not it bloometh no more ! 

'T is only transplanted above ; 
More radiant still on that beautiful shore. 

Cherished by Infinite love. 



IN MEMORIAM OF GEORGIE. 

OUR darling is sleeping the sleep of the blest, 
Lilies and roses over his breast. 
Dark silken lashes sweeping his cheek. 
Hands linked together, folded so meek. 
Soft hair brushed smoothly off the white brow. 
Glorious eyes forever closed now. 
Strew the pale lilies over his head, 
ur darling is sleeping the sleep of the dead. 

Could we behold him as now he appears 
How soon would we banish all sorrow and tears. 
Immortal and glorious, radiant and bright. 
In that beautiful realm where God is the light. 

T 



86 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

For a little while parted, but, blessed be God, 
The path he has trodden by us shall be trod, 
The strong hand unto him so lovingly given 
Shall guide and direct us to Georgie in heaven ! 

Yes ! fairest of flowers around him are spread. 
Pale lilies and roses are wreathing his head, 
Soon they must wither and lose their perfume. 
But the crown he is wearing forever shall bloom. 
O, heaven seems now more familiarly near 
Since Georgie, our Georgie, our darling is there ; 
Sweet, sweet is the thought, for us he now waits 
To meet us and greet us at heaven's bright gates. 



TO MY SISTER IN HEAVEN. 

SWEET angel sister! when thou wert on earth 
Methought I fully realized thy worth. 
And understood the goodness of thy heart. 
But, ah ! 't was not till God had bid us part, 
And crowned thy brow with immortality 
I reall}^ knew all thou hadst been to me. 
And felt the depth and sweetness of thy love 
When never more its power I might prove. 
Thy sympathy, so earnest, never failed. 
No matter whether grief or joy prevailed. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 8t 

That ever deemed thyself supremely blest 

When joy and gladness reigned within my breast. 

O loving heart, that with sweet joy was stirred, 

When I, thy sister, was to thee preferred ! 

For selfishness to thee was e'er unknown. 

And all sweet virtues marked thee for their own. 

O tender eyes, that looked such love in mine, 

E'er then thou wert less human than divine! 

O, clinging arms, that twined in fond embrace ! 

O, lips that rained sweet kisses on my face ! 

All earthly joys I'd willingly resign 

To feel again that sweet embrace of thine ! 

And though long weary years have passed away, 

Tlie need for thee grows stronger da}^ by day. 

Ah! couldst thou know all I have since endured 

Thy spirit back to earth would be allured. 

To give me o'er and o'er thy fond caress. 

And m}^ sad heart with consolation bless. 

To press to mine thy soft and tender cheek, 

And words of loving sympathy to speak. 

Ah ! oft I feel, sweet sister, thou art near. 

And wliispering loving counsel in m^' ear. 

Thy sweet and gentle influence I feel. 

And thoughts of peace and love around me steal. 

I know thy loving prayers for me ascend 

That I may persevere unto the end. 

In heaven, darling sister, thou dost wait 

To meet and greet me at the golden gate ; 



88 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

That when the brittle link of life is riven, 
Thou wilt be first to welcome me in heaven. 
Dear Lord I I thank thee for my sister's love, 
grant I e'er may worthy of it prove I 
J^nd, like to her, with sweet submission bend. 
And, like to her, prove faithful to the end. 



LITTLE DARLING, OPEN WIDE. 

LITTLE darling, open wide 
The bright celestial portal, 
Disclose the glory there inside 

That clothes the soul immortal. 
In all thy radiant charms appear 

That unto thee are given. 
To comfort sad hearts grieving here, 
That thou hast gone to heaven. 

O could they see thee as thou art. 

In all thy heavenly splendor, 
'Twould leave within each grieving heart 

A peace most sweet and tender. 
Thy little blossom blooms for thee 

More lovely every hour. 
From earthly blight and sorrow free 

A sweet celestial flower. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 89 

Secure within the Saviour's arms, 

How fondly they enfold her ! 
All glowing with immortal charms 

In paradise behold her. 
'Tis only for a little while 

That earthly ties are riven, 
Soon shalt thou see her angel smile 

More lovely far in heaven. 

Soon shalt thou gaze upon her face. 

No more in pain to sever, 
Soon feel again her fond embrace. 

And claim her thine forever. 
Above the azure clouds she waits. 

With fondest love to greet thee. 
And through the glorious golden gates 

Looks joyously to meet thee. 

O when a fragile little flower 

To heaven is transplanted, 
We should rejoice His mighty power 

The gracious boon has granted. 
For earth is cold and bleak and bare. 

And tender plants will perish; 
But in His garden bright and fair 

He will preserve and cherish. 
1* 



90 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 



LOOK UP. 

TO ANNIE. 

MY bab}'', oh 1 my baby, 
IIow can I let thee go, 
And leave me here so lonely, 

So crushed with bitter woe? 
How can I lay th}^ lovely form 

Within the cold, cold ground, 
Where summer rains and winter storms 

Beat on the little mound ? 
Where never more thy bab}- lips 

My own may fondly press, 
And never more thy w^inning smiles 

My heart may cheer and bless. 
O thou art far too beautiful 

To lay beneath the sod ; 
But we must bow unto Thy will. 

And meekly kiss the rod. 
Yet heaven has many angels, 

And I had only one, 
O was it merciful, dear Lord, 

To leave me thus alone ? 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 91 

Be calm ! repining spirit, 

The Saviour knew thee best, 
And took thy fond heart's treasure 

To be forever blest. 
'Tis true the earthly fetters 

That bound thee, now are riven ; 
But ah, a dearer, stronger link, 

Now draws thy heart to heaven. 
Then cease thy bitter weeping, 

Or weep not in despair, 
And look beyond the grave-mound. 

Thy darling is not there. 
But crowned with bliss immortal. 

Arrayed in angel charms, 
She fondly waits th}' coming, 

Secure in Jesus' arms. 
And when life's dream is over, 

As soon, oh, soon 'twill be. 
Thy little one will be thine own 

For all eternity. 



92 CHRISTMAS CUIMES, 



IN MEMORIAM OF HARRY. 

INSCRIBED TO HIS MOTHER. 

BRIGHT spirit of beauty immortal, 
Relentlessly torn from our love, 
Thou hast crossed the m^^sterious portal 

That opens to mansions above. 
How smiling thy young life is dawning 
With mental endowments so bright. 
Oh, could we foresee such a morning 
Would change to such terrible night ? 

Ah! fond recollections are clinging 

To hopes far too brilliant to last. 
And memorj' mournfully bringing 

Sweet J03'S that forever are past. 
Thy childhood, that like a rare flower. 

New beauties would daily disclose, 
Developing marvellous power, 

Alas ! how untimely its close. 

Oh, never again to behold theel 
To gaze on thy soul-speaking face ! 

Oh, never again to enfold thee 
In tender maternal embrace! 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 93 

Oh, never to look for thy meeting I 

To listen all vainly to hear 
Thy voice in its heart-cheering greeting, 

So familiar and sweet to the ear. 

For thee tears unwonted are falling 

From eyes unaccustomed to weep, 
And loved ones are fondly recalling 

Memories lasting and deep. 
A friend firm and steadfast they proved thee, 

Thy sympathy true never failed. 
What wonder they tenderly loved thee, 

Or thy fate so untimely bewailed? 

But see through the storm cloud appalling 

A rainbow of promise appears ; 
In mercy the spirit enthralling, 

Smiling through sorrowful tears. 
What though earthly fetters are riven ? 

Faith and Hope the sad spirit sustain. 
And whisper, thou 'It meet him in heaven 

In all his young beauty again. 



94: CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 



GREAT BETHEL. 

ALL have heard Great Bethel's story, 
Of a nation's grief and pride, 
When for country, freedom, glory, 

Fearlessly young Greble died. 
Loving hearts were rent asunder 

When the mournful tidings came. 
That Great Bethel's fatal thunder 
Had immortalized his name. 

First upon the country's altar. 

Laying down his noble life, 
AVith courage that could never falter 

'Mid the battle's raging strife. 
Though many a hero's blood has dyed 

That shrine, since Bethel's fatal plain. 
Of many hearts and homes the pride. 

Yet was he first for freedom slain. 

Never heart more purely glowing 
With all feelings warm and true. 

With sweet tenderness overflowing. 
Filled with manly impulse too. 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 95 

Hearts bereaved will e'er bewail him, 

Tears of anguish dew his grave, 
Yet a nation's love doth hail him — 

" Foremost of the cherished braA^e !" 



IN MEMORIAM OF MRS. E. G. 

INSCRIBED TO HER CHILDREN. 

WHEN first we found ourselves bereft, 
That thou hadst all the children left, 
That God our dearest joy had taken. 
Of all we felt ourselves forsaken ; 
For thou the very centre seemed, 
Of all we were, or hoped, or dreamed. 
No happiness could be complete 
Without thy sympathy, so sweet. 
For joys increased an hundred fold 
When to our darling mother told. 
We took to thee each childish grief. 
And never failed to find relief; 
While in maturer years we came, 
And found thy sympathy the same. 
No trial overwhelming proved. 
Sustained by thy maternal love ; 



96 CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

And whether grief or joy prevailed, 
Thy love, so tender, never failed. 
Thou wert the sunshine of our lives, 
Best of mothers, best of wives. 
O language never can express 
Thy magic power to soothe and bless I 
And oh I what words could e'er reveal 
The wear}^, aching void we feel ? 
The world itself seems wrapped in gloom. 
The brightest place our mother's tomb. 
In dreams the music of thy voice 
Our hearts so desolate rejoice. 
And only then, we feel the bliss. 
The thrilling pressure of thy kiss. 
O gates of heaven, open wide 
That we may see her form inside ; 
That from the azure skies, so bright. 
Her angel smile may cheer our night. 
Sweet mother, see thy children's tears, 
And listen to thy children's prayers ; 
O gain for us the grace, from God, 
That we may meekly kiss the rod ; 
That when this weary life is done. 
The crown of victory may be won. 
What joy 1 what bliss I in heaven to be. 
Dear mother, evermore with thee. 



■yM 






"■f ^ ' 



\ t 


. w-V 


' 


'> 


^ 


-'• J' 


1 


■l 




r > 






r* 


■'■■$ 


■^Z' 

yfr 


V \ 




, ^ ks. 


^ ,^^ 


. ^ 




.- < ^' 










i , ^,"« 






,. 


\ ' 


^ 






t-' 


^ J- . 


^ 


V 


\<. \ 


^ 


V 


""'o I 


V* 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 256 126 1 



